A systems approach to assessing cropping systems on the Canadian Prairies: yield and economic returns
Date
2022-03-08
Authors
Liu, Kui
Khakbazan, Mohammad
Lasisi, Ahmed
Entz, Martin
Larney, Francis
Kubota, Hiroshi
Semach, Greg
Peng, Gary
Lokuruge Praghath
Strydhorst, Sheri
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Conference Presentation
Degree Level
Abstract
Agriculture faces grand challenges of improving productivity and profitability under climate uncertainty. A systems approach is required when designing crop systems to achieve the long-term goal of sustainability. A 4-year crop rotation study was established in 2018 at seven sites across the Canadian Prairies, including Beaverlodge, Lacombe, and Lethbridge, AB; Melfort, Scott, and Swift Current, SK; and Carman, MB. The overall objective of this project is to develop resilient cropping systems in different ecozones on the Canadian Prairies. This study tests six cropping systems consisting of 1) conventional cropping system (Control), 2) pulse- or oilseed-intensified cropping system (POS), 3) diversified cropping system (DS), 4) market-driven cropping system (MS), 5) high risk and high reward cropping system (HRHRS), and 6) green-manure incorporated soil-health focused cropping system (GMS). At the end of the 4-yr rotations, we will assess the performance of cropping systems using a suit of indicators including productivity, soil health, resource use efficiency, pest incidence, economic returns, environmental impacts, and resilience. The first 3-year preliminary results indicated that the average system yield (e.g. canola equivalent yield) for MS (2167 kg ha-1) and POS (1758 kg ha-1) were 33 and 8% higher than Control (1632 kg ha-1), respectively; while the CEY for DS (1537 kg ha-1), HRHRS (1451 kg ha-1) and GMS (1319 kg ha-1) were 6, 11, and 19% lower than Control, respectively. The net returns follow the order of MS > POS > DS > Control > GMS > HRHRS. Yield stability follows the order of GMS > POS > Control > DS > MS > HRHRS. The preliminary results suggest that an integrated approach is required to develop and assess cropping systems.
Description
Keywords
Sustainability, Soil Health, Cropping Systems
Citation
Degree
Department
Program
Advisor
Committee
Part Of
Soils and Crops Workshop